Small towns are experiencing recoveryFor the first time since the 1970s, the largest number of Americans are moving from metropolitan areas, and many are looking for a more neighborhood feel. Now, one community is being built with that spirit in mind.
In 2023, an estimated 291,400 people moved to small towns and rural areas with a population of 250,000 or less, according to . University of Virginia researchers.
In fact, small towns and rural counties Top destinations The influx of young people between the ages of 25 and 44 is fueling population growth in the United States. Many people immigrated in search of a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle with less stress and closer to their neighbors.
culture of kindness
in Hesperia, California — a town of 100,744 people about 130 miles from Los Angeles — a new community called silver wood Created with a focus on fostering a culture of kindness.
“We start with a pledge of kindness included in the community documents that residents sign upon move-in,” says John Ohanian, general manager of the development. “This ambitious document will give everyone in Silverwood hope.”
Residents are committed to being “actively involved, collaborative, and community-focused” both within and outside of the Silverwood community. “Our goal is to emphasize caring for each other in everything we do,” Ohanian says.
That might mean rolling out a welcome wagon for a new neighbor or bringing soup to the family next door when they're sick.
In a world currently filled with division and conflict, Ohanian believes it is time to reverse that trend.
“We believe parents want their children to grow up in a place where they feel safe and valued and where neighbors look out for each other,” Ohanian said.
silverwood inspiration
The concept for Silverwood was inspired by Ohanian's friend and former mayor, Tom Tate. anaheim.
Tate worked on a platform of creating a culture of kindness in this city. And now, Ohanian wants to weave that same goal into the fabric of Silverwood, creating what he calls “an oasis from the resentment we see all around us.”
Silverwood is designed around a series of “village greens” that serve as community gathering places where residents can easily gather and interact on a more intimate scale.
This divides the community into smaller neighborhoods and allows residents to get to know each other more easily.
There will also be a clubhouse called “The Crest Club” where residents can enjoy a community pool, pickleball court and play area.
Around Silverwood
Silverwood also emphasizes ease of walking.
“With the Pacific Crest Trail on our southern border and a beautiful mountain backdrop, it makes sense to bring our residents outdoors,” Ohanian said.
The development will offer 99 miles of off-road trails, 167 miles of trails and paseos, 387 acres of parkland, and 4,900 acres of open space.
Residents can enjoy kayaking and lakeside picnics on Silverwood Lake, just minutes from their front door.
Silverwood's 9,366 acres will eventually include 15,663 single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums over the next 20 years.
Early stages of housing
The first housing release will include 646 homes of various sizes and floor plans, each equipped with solar panels.
model house construction It should start later this fall.
Sales are scheduled to start in early 2025, and initially you will be able to choose from 20 floor plans from four construction partners.
The size of these homes will range from 1,539 square feet to 3,539 square feet, and the residential lot sizes will primarily be between 5,000 square feet and 7,000 square feet.
The median home price in Hesperia is $449,450, and home prices in Silverwood will range from the mid-$400,000s to the $700,000s.
“Silverwood works hard to provide affordable housing for young families,” Ohanian said. “California home prices have become so high that it's difficult for first-time homebuyers to find a place to live. We aim to change that.”
Homeowners association dues are affordable at $158 per month and include Wi-Fi.
New residents are expected to move into Silverwood by summer 2025.
Meet potential home buyers
Even though sales have not officially begun yet, people are already lining up to reserve a spot at the kindness-focused development.
One of those people is Savannah Routh, who currently lives there. Adelanto, Californiaalong with my husband and in-laws.
“My husband and I are looking forward to the stability and long-term investment of owning a home,” she says. “We want to be among the first residents to call Silverwood home.”
Development’s kindness-driven mission is what drew her to the community.
“It creates a positive atmosphere and encourages people to be more thoughtful and considerate of their neighbors,” Routh says. “This will make your daily life smoother and more enjoyable.”
As she grew older, she developed deeper bonds with her neighbors, which helped her feel connected to the community.
“I would like to have the same experience here, where there is a sense of familiarity and trust among the residents,” Routh says. “It's not something you can force, but I think if you have a supportive environment, connections will naturally form.”
From what she's seen so far, Silverwood “definitely has a charming small-town feel,” she says.
“The focus is on building strong relationships and building a close-knit community,” she says.
In Routh's opinion, other cities should follow Silverwood's lead.
If more places focused on creating a positive culture and promoting kindness, she says, “this could lead to stronger connections and more livable neighborhoods.” “It doesn't take much to be kind, but it can have a big impact on how people feel about where they live.”
